Home Heat Pump Guide

EDF Heat Pump Tariff: GoElectric Rates and Full Review

EDF is one of the UK's largest energy suppliers, and through their GoElectric tariff range they offer some genuinely useful options for heat pump owners. With cheap overnight rates designed for high-electricity households, EDF can be a strong alternative to Octopus Energy — especially if you also have an electric vehicle.

In this review, we break down EDF's heat pump-relevant tariffs, calculate real savings, and assess whether they are worth choosing for your heat pump household.

EDF's Tariff Options for Heat Pump Owners

GoElectric

EDF's GoElectric tariff is their flagship product for homes with high electricity usage. Originally designed for electric vehicle owners, it works equally well for heat pump households. Key features:

  • Off-peak rate: Approximately 10-12p per kWh overnight (typically midnight to 7am)
  • Daytime rate: Approximately 25-28p per kWh (higher than standard to offset the cheap overnight rate)
  • Standing charge: Standard daily standing charge (approximately 50-55p per day)
  • Requirements: Smart meter, EDF customer

The overnight window of seven hours gives you ample time to heat your home and hot water cylinder before the day begins. The off-peak rate of 10-12p/kWh is competitive with Octopus Cosy's cheapest windows.

GoElectric 35

A variant of GoElectric that provides a slightly lower off-peak rate in exchange for a higher daytime rate. This works best for households that can shift a very high proportion of electricity use to overnight:

  • Off-peak rate: Approximately 8-10p per kWh overnight
  • Daytime rate: Approximately 28-32p per kWh
  • Best for: Well-insulated homes with large thermal storage capacity

Standard Variable and Fixed Tariffs

EDF also offers standard flat-rate tariffs (both variable and fixed-price options) which charge the same rate all day. These do not offer heat pump-specific benefits but may be competitive on overall pricing:

  • Standard variable: Approximately 24.5p per kWh (Ofgem cap rate)
  • Fixed deals: Vary by availability (typically 22-26p per kWh)

How Much Can You Save with EDF GoElectric?

Assuming a heat pump using 4,000 kWh per year and you can shift 55% of usage to overnight off-peak hours:

On EDF standard variable (24.5p/kWh):

  • Annual heat pump cost: £980

On EDF GoElectric (55% overnight at 11p, 45% daytime at 27p):

  • Off-peak: 2,200 kWh × 11p = £242
  • Daytime: 1,800 kWh × 27p = £486
  • Annual heat pump cost: £728
  • Annual saving: £252

The saving is meaningful but less than Octopus Cosy achieves, primarily because GoElectric only has one overnight off-peak window compared to Cosy's three daily windows. If you can shift more usage overnight (70%+), GoElectric's savings improve significantly.

The EV and Heat Pump Double Benefit

Where EDF GoElectric really shines is for households with both a heat pump and an electric vehicle. If you are already charging your EV overnight, adding heat pump operation to the same cheap window doubles your savings. A household with both could save £500-700 per year versus a flat-rate tariff.

GoElectric vs Octopus Cosy: Detailed Comparison

This is the comparison most heat pump owners want to see:

Off-Peak Hours

  • EDF GoElectric: 7 hours overnight (midnight-7am)
  • Octopus Cosy: 9 hours across three windows (4-7am, 1-4pm, 10pm-midnight)

Winner: Octopus — more hours and better spread across the day.

Off-Peak Rate

  • EDF GoElectric: 10-12p per kWh
  • Octopus Cosy: ~10p per kWh

Winner: Roughly equal, slight edge to Octopus.

Daytime/Standard Rate

  • EDF GoElectric: 25-28p per kWh
  • Octopus Cosy: 22-24p per kWh (standard), 30-35p per kWh (peak 4-7pm)

Winner: Depends on usage pattern. Cosy's standard rate is lower, but its peak rate is higher. If you use lots of electricity between 4-7pm, EDF may work out cheaper.

Flexibility

  • EDF GoElectric: All-or-nothing overnight scheduling
  • Octopus Cosy: Multiple windows give more scheduling options

Winner: Octopus — multiple off-peak windows suit more lifestyles.

Overall Verdict

For most heat pump owners, Octopus Cosy will deliver slightly larger savings due to the additional off-peak windows. EDF GoElectric is the better choice if you also have an EV, if you prefer a single overnight cheap window, or if Octopus is not available in your area.

Eligibility and Switching to EDF GoElectric

Requirements

  • Smart meter: Required for time-of-use billing
  • EDF customer: You need to be, or switch to, an EDF electricity account
  • No heat pump registration needed: Unlike Octopus Cosy, GoElectric does not require proof of a heat pump — it is available to any high-electricity household

How to Switch

  1. Visit the EDF Energy website and enter your postcode for a quote
  2. Select the GoElectric tariff
  3. EDF handles the switch from your current supplier (2-3 weeks)
  4. If you need a smart meter, EDF arranges installation for free
  5. Once your smart meter is communicating half-hourly data, the time-of-use rates apply

Pros and Cons of EDF for Heat Pump Owners

Pros

  • Competitive overnight rate: 10-12p/kWh is excellent for overnight heat pump operation
  • No heat pump registration: Simpler sign-up than Octopus Cosy
  • EV synergy: Brilliant for households with both a heat pump and electric vehicle
  • EDF reliability: Large, established supplier with nuclear generation backing
  • Fixed-price options: Some GoElectric variants offer price certainty

Cons

  • Single off-peak window: Only overnight cheap rates — no afternoon or evening off-peak windows
  • Higher daytime rate: The daytime rate premium means non-heat-pump electricity costs more
  • Less flexible: Suits overnight scheduling only — if your home cannot hold overnight heat through the day, savings are limited
  • Less innovation: EDF's tariff range is not as varied as Octopus's options

Who Should Choose EDF GoElectric?

EDF GoElectric is the right choice if:

  • You have both a heat pump and an electric vehicle
  • Your home is well-insulated and can hold overnight heat through the day
  • You have a large hot water cylinder (200+ litres) for overnight heating
  • You prefer a simple two-rate tariff over multiple off-peak windows
  • You value EDF as a supplier (brand loyalty, existing relationship)

If these do not describe your situation, Octopus Cosy or Scottish Power's SmartGen may be better options. See our best heat pump tariff guide for the full comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EDF have a dedicated heat pump tariff?

EDF does not have a tariff exclusively for heat pump owners (like Octopus Cosy). Instead, their GoElectric tariff provides cheap overnight electricity that benefits any high-usage household, including those with heat pumps. The advantage is that you do not need to register your heat pump to access the tariff.

What are EDF GoElectric's overnight hours?

The standard GoElectric off-peak window runs from midnight to 7am (seven hours). Some variants may offer slightly different windows — check with EDF for the exact times available at your postcode.

Can I use GoElectric without an electric vehicle?

Yes. Despite being marketed towards EV owners, GoElectric is available to any household with a smart meter. Heat pump owners can take full advantage of the cheap overnight rates without owning an EV.

How does EDF's standing charge compare?

EDF's standing charge on GoElectric is typically at or near the Ofgem price cap level (approximately 53p per day). It is comparable to other suppliers and should not be a deciding factor when choosing between tariffs.

Is EDF GoElectric available across the UK?

GoElectric is available across England, Scotland, and Wales wherever EDF supplies electricity. Exact rates vary by region. Enter your postcode on the EDF website for specific pricing.

Can I switch between EDF tariffs easily?

If you are already an EDF customer, switching between their tariffs is straightforward — contact them by phone or through your online account. Some fixed-price deals may have exit fees, so check before switching. Variable tariffs can usually be changed without penalty.